Electrolytic sheet treating



Feb. 29,` 1944. H, PAYNTER 2,342,688,

ELECTROLYTIC SHEET TREATING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 17, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet1 FV. ATTO NEY Feb. 29, 1944.

H. J. PAYNTER 2,342,688

ELECTROLYTIC SHEET TREATING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 17, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet2 [O7 Y INV lln BYS ATTO NEY Feb.29,1944. H. J. @AYNTER 2,342,688

ELECTROLYTIC SHEET TREATINGAPPARATUS Feb. 29, 1944. H. .1. PAYNTER2,342,688

ELECTROLYTIC SHEET TREATING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 17, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet4 H. J. PAYNTER ELECTROLYTIC SHEET TREAIING PPARATUS Feb. 29, 1944.

INV NToR 0. M4# ATT@ NEY Patented Feb. 29, 1944 APPARATU Horace J.Paynter, Union, N. J., assigner to American Can Company, New York, N. Y.a corporation of New Jersey Application February 17, 1940, Serial No.319,528

11 Claims.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating sheetmaterial and has particular reference to an apparatus forelectrolytcally treating the sheet primarily by oxidizing a surface inan anodizing step and provision is also made at times for a precleaningtreatment in the same apparatus which may take the form of cathodizingcleaning,` or may be a combination of anodizing and cathodizingcleaning.

Sheet material. as for example, tin plate, when used in the manufactureof the ordinary tin can, quite frequently has been found to vary in itssurface conditions so that when made up into cans, difilculties areoften experienced in chemical reaction between the can Wall and the con#tents of the can. One such dimculty appears in the canning of productscontaining sulphur, the chemical reaction resulting in the formation ofdark metal sulphides on the interior can walls which appear as stainedand dark colored areas. In other cases rust appears on the inner canwall and often, even when the can walls have been coated or linedWithlacquer or other protective coating, such lining over a period oftime undergoes decomposition as a result of the chemical reactionbetween the metal can wall and the product.

Sheets heretofore have been anodically treated as an incident to beingmade into cans and While a proper anodic treatment does prevent thechemical reactions recited above, or at least does greatly reduce suchreaction, considerable diiiiculty has been experienced with the step ofsoldering together the treated surfaces. In fact it has been foundalmost impossible to properly solder an anodized blank without a furthertreatment of the solder areas. This has been a serious drawback to theanodizing of sheet material for the manufacture of cans.

This difficulty has been overcome in vthe apparatus of the presentinvention by shielding all of the solder areas lof the sheet, while itis undergoing treatment, in a simple and rapid manner and as acontinuous operation. In the same machine the sheet can also be cleanedprior to its anodic treatment and the surface of the sheet which isundergoing oxidization or cleaning is presented to the direct action ofthe electrolyte while other parts of the sheet are fully protected.

An object of the present invention is the provision of a sheet treatingmachine having a sheet holder on which the sheet is clamped and held forthe treatment in such a manner as to present the surface to be treateddirectly to the action of an electrolyte which is caused constantly tocirculate during treatment and thus provide the medium through whichflows an electrical treating current whose circuit includes the sheet.

Another object of theA invention is the provision of a sheet treatingapparatus wherein the sheet is clamped upon a holder with certain areasmatted or blocked olf in a manner to present the unblocked areas to theaction of an electrolyte .while the sheet is connected in an electricaltreating circuit. the current which flows through the circuit utilizingthe electrolyte as a treating medium.

A further object is the provision of a sheet treating apparatus forcontinuously receiving successive sheets as they are fed into themachine and for holding each sheet with certain surfaces protected,while circulating an electrolyte in contact with exposed or unprotectedsurface areas, each sheet .after treatment being discharged Withoutinterruption of a steady flow of the sheets.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an apparatus of thecharacter described which has a sheet holder and clamping means fortightly holding the sheet so that one surface` forms the side of anenclosed space or pocket and a part of the holder forms the other side,the sheet constituting one pole in an electrical treating circuit inwhich the holder constitutes the opposite pole, the space or pocketbeing filled with an electrolyte which completes the treating circuit,control of the flow of the treating current anodically oxidizing thesheets surface which is exposed to the electrolyte, or cleaning suchsurface by cathodic action.

Yet another object is the provision of a rotatable wheel holder in atreatin-g apparatus of this nature, on the periphery of which sheetsundergoing treatment are held tightly clamped by a belt passed over thewheel, each sheet so held being directly associated with an individualtreating pocket or chamber formed on the wheel by means of which eachsheet is electrically treated by the treating medium confined in itspocket.

Still a further object is the provision of such a treating apparatus forsheets having a wheel structure for holding the sheet during treatmentwhich exposes a surface of the sheet to an anodic or to a cathodicaction, the sheet constituting one pole of the circuit and the holderconstituting the other pole, the sheet being spaced fromgthe activesurface -of the holder so that the now of electrical current for suchtreatment passes through an electrolyte which occupies the space betweenthe pole pieces, the gas which is evolved in the resulting electrolysisbeing drawn of! as it forms so that a more uniform surface treatment isobtained.

Another object is the provision of an apparatus of the characterdescribed having a revolving wheel holder to which sheets are fedcontinuously, the sheets being automatically clamped onto the peripheryof the wheel by a belt which passes into engagement with .the wheel atsuch time, the clamping of the sheet onto the wheel closing over andforming an electrolyte pocket or chamber into which the electrolyte isthen introduced and caused to circulate so that the surface of the sheetwhich is presented to the pocket interior is contacted by theelectrolyte uniformly on its exposed area, the sheet forming one side ofthe electrical treating circuit while a wheel part forms the other sidebut sheet and wheel are insulated against current conduction exceptthrough the electrolyte, the direction of now of the current determiningwhether there is anodic or cathodic treatment, the apparatus also havingdevices for controlling the flow of the electrolyte and the directionand timing of the treating current, the electrolyte being drawn oif fromthe pocket upon completion of the treatment and prior to the beltleaving the surfacey of the wheel as the treated sheet is removed.

Numerous other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparentas it is better understood from the following description, which, takenin connection with the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferredembodiment thereof.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a sheet treating apparatus embodying thepresent invention;

Fig. 2 isal transverse section drawn to an enlarged scale and partlybroken away of the wheel holder of the apparatus of Fig. 1 being a viewtaken substantially along the section line 22 of such ngure;

Fig. 3 is a sectional detail of certain of the wheel holder parts asviewed along the section line 3-3 in Fig. 2 and on a slightly enlargedscale;

Fig. 4 isA a plan view of the parts shown in Fig. 3 as viewed from theouter or convex side of the holder, certain of these parts being brokenaway to better disclose other constructions therebeneath;

Figs. 5 and 6 are enlarged sectional details taken substantially alongthe respective section lines 5-5 and 8 6 in F18. 4:

Fig. 7 is a sectional fragment taken along the line 1-1 in Fig. 2;

as could be effected in the apparatus of the present invention.

Referring rst to Fig. 1, sheets a such as tin plate which are to betreated in the apparatus, are placed in any suitablermanner on acontinuously moving feeding chaindevice broadly designated by the letterA. 'I'his feeding device advances the sheet toward a rotating wheelholder B on which the sheet is carried through a circular path duringtreatment.

The wheel holder B is shown in the drawings as of dual construction andconstitutes two wheels. On the periphery of each wheel there is provideda series of frame elements D arranged one adjacent the other and eachelement is so shaped as to accommodate a single sheet a. Such a frameprovides a support for the individual sheet and holds it substantiallyuniformly curvedv on the periphery of the wheel holder B.

An endless belt E, which is wider than the sheets being treated, passesover each of the wheel holders, there being two such belts for theapparatus shown in the drawings. Each belt E lies down against thesheets on the frames and thus acts as a clamping device for holding thesheets on the wheels. Each belt is in contact with its associated wheelfor substantially 335 and then passes back over suitable pulleys andthen around to position where it again engages the wheel holder.

The intervening section where the belt is not on the wheel holders islocated adjacenty the discharge end of the feeding device A and thispermits the placing of each sheet onto its holder as Vit leaves thefeeding device. Upon coming into proper position relative to its frame Dthe sheet is engaged by the belt E and is then carried around by therotating wheel holder B. It is during such travel that it is subjectedto the Fig. 8 is an end elevation of the wheel holder parts of theapparatus showing certain wiring connections, the point of view beingindicated in Fig. 2 by the broken line 8-8, this latter figure beingdrawn to a greater scale thanvis Fig. 2;

Fig. 9 is a fragment elevation of such wiring connections, the curvedand broken line 9 9 in Fig. 8 suggesting how Fig. 9 is to be viewed;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged transverse ,section of the central part of thewheel holder of Fig. 2, said view being taken substantially along thesection line Ill-III in Fig. 2;

Fig. 11 is an end elevation of the apparatus as it would appear whenviewed from a plane having the trace lines lI-Il as indicated in Fig. 1;and

Fig. 12 is a face View of a fragment of a sheet showing by stippling asurface treatment such desired operations of treatment.

A sheet carried by its holder B, after undergoing the various steps oftreatment, thus approaches the position where the clamping belt E passesback and away from the wheel holder. At the time it is released by thebelt it comes into the influence of a sheet discharge device F (Fig. 1).This discharge device thereupon operates to remove the treated sheet afrom the wheel holder and to discharge it from the apparatus.

As lbest illustrated in Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6 each frame element D of thewheel holder B constitutes the inner side of a treating chamber orpocket G when a sheet a is being held in place on the frame by the beltE. The sheet forms the outer `wall.of the pocket at such a time, theinner surface of the sheet being spaced a slight distance away from theouter frame wall.

The treating chamber G so formed provides an arcuate space through whichan electrolyte may be circulated to effect the treatment desired.Suitable parts of a circulatingv system, lbroadly referred to by theletter H, are employed and these parts may include pipes, pump, etc., asbest shown in Fig. 1. These will be further described and in some detailas the description proceeds.

'I 'he feeding device A for each of the wheel holders preferablycomprises one or more endless chains 2| (Fig. 1) which take oversuitable sprockets 22 mounted on a horizontal shaft 23 journaled in twoor more brackets 24 carried on uprights 25 of a main support frame. Sucha frame also includes horizontal beams 26 and tie frame parts 2l, footor pier sections 28 at the base of each upright frame resting on thefloor v for support. The feed chains 2l also operate over sprockets 3|carried on a horizontal shaft I2.`

Shaft 32 may be rotated in a suitable manner and thus constitute a driveshaft for the feeding device A.

A sub-frame 33 may be provided for supporting the drive shaft and othershafts. For example,

feeding rollers 34 may bemounted on a horizontal shaft 35, carried inthe sub-frame for properly directing the sheets as released by thefeeding device A so that they will be correctly located in the frameelements D of the wheel holders B.

The wheel holder B, as previously mentioned,

includes a double wheel construction. As best Each rotating wheel holderB is mounted on ,v

its end of the sleeve 4| where the latter projects beyond its bracketsupport 43. Each holder consists of a cylindrical drum 5I (Figs.2 and10) which at its center is formed with a .bearinghub 52 the inner boreof which carries a bushing 53. Such a bushing turns directly on thesupporting sleeve 4 I.

The outer peripheral wall, marked 54, of the drum 5l carries the wheelproper which is formedwith an inner hub 55 and an outer rim v56 (Figs. 2and 3). Rim and hub are connected all as an integral unit by a pair ofparallel disc walls 51, which are tied together by radially disposedintermediate plates 58. Angular webs 59, which are prolongations of theplates 58, extend out from the outer disc wall 51 and merge into the rim|56 thus permitting considerable overhang for the rim wall. Thisprovides for a width of wheel at its periphery or rim that is in excessof any width of sheet to be run through the apparatus.

The peripheral surface of the rim wall 56 of each wheel holder B isdepressed at regular intervals to provide for the adjacent frameelements D. This is best shown in Figs. 3 and 4. The edge of one frameelement cornes very close to the adjacent edge of the adjoining frameelement and this construction leaves the inner and outer edges of therim wall and the connecting transverse sections between the adjacentframe elements as a flush cylindrical surface 60 (see also Fig. 5)against which the belt E presses during its engagement with the wheelholder. This flush surface keeps the belt into a true cylindrical formwhere it passes over the wheel and insures a better holding action forthe sheets a during treatment.

Examining more in detail the individual trame element D, it will beobserved by reference to Figs. 4 and 5 that the entire frame is set in asubstantially square countersink cut into the outer or peripheralsurface 56 of the wheel. The particular shape will, of course depend onthe shape of the sheet being treated. An insulating member 6i isdisposed to cover the entire bottom of each countersink. Such aninsulating member may be a sheet of rubber, cork or the like and is usedto cover over and to electrically insulate the frame element D yfrom thewheel holder metallic frame at that place.

A sheet of copper or other good electrical conductor62 is mounted on topof the rubber sheet 6l. It has been found satisfactory to vulcanizethese parts 6I, 62 together. The purpose of this will be fully describedlater.

The particular layout of can body blanks, for example, to beobtained'from a sheet a to be treated, will determine what part of thesurface area is to be blocked off or protected against treatment. In thedrawings, there is showri a matting of all of the edges of the sheet andalso a'median section which is likewise covered. For this purposematting strips 63 (Figs. 4 and 5) are used. Such strips are preferablyof rubber.

Strips 63 rest directly on the copper sheet 62 and are of a sizenormally to extend up substantially ushwith the surface 60 of the wheel.It is on these strips 63 that a sheet a is clamped by the belt E aftercoming into proper position on the wheel. When so clamped the mattingstrips yield sufficiently to permit the upper surface of the sheet,which is engaged by the belt to come down flush with the wheel surface60, as best shown in Figs. 5 and 6.

In coming into this position the sheet al comes into close surfacecontact with a copper contact plate 65 (Figs. 4 and 6) which extendsover one of the side matting strips 63. This contact plate 65 isconnected directly to a wire 66 which extends down through the wheel rim56, being properly insulated therefrom. Thence it passes through aconduit pipe s1 which is radiany disposed on the wheel and which issecured to the inner disc wall 51. This conduit pipe adjacent the centerof the wheel is bent at right angles (Fig. 2) and passes outwardlythrough the drum 5I to a place where the wire 66 is connected to anelectrical brush 66 carried in a ring 69 xed to the drum 5I.

Each copper sheet 62 contacts directly with a copper contact plate 1I(Figs. 4 and 5) which extends under one of the side matting strips 63preferably not far from the contact plate 65. Plate 1l is connecteddirectly to a wire 12 which also extends down through the wheel rim andthrough the same conduit pipe 61 alongside of the wire 66. The inner endof the wire 12 (Fig. 2) is connected to an electrical brush 13 alsocarried in the ring 69. The wires 66, 12 are kept at different polarityand are included in the treating circuit which will be fully describedhereinafter.

Referring again to the countersunk construction of each individual frameelement D (Figs. 2, 3 and 4), it will be observed that for a relativelynarrow width at the center of the countersink and extending along itsperipheral dimension, that a further countersunk pocket 15 is formed inthe rim part 56 of the wheel. A grid section 16 is provided as a supportforthe rubber insulating sheet 6| in this central section, the gridbeing formed as an integral part of the wheel and having an oblongspaceor chamber 11 therebeneath.

Arcuate slots 18 are cut through both rubber and copper sheets 6I, 62(Figs. 3 and 4) so that the pocket 11 is in constant communication withthe treating chamber G which it will be recalled is contained in theframe element D between the copper'sheet 62 on the inside and thetinplate sheet which is held by the belt E on the outside.

The `arcuate slots 18 are cut through the copper sheet 62 and the.rubber sheet 6l at a position near the base of the matting strips 63.Obviously different sheets 6i, 62 must `be used for different patternsof the protected areas of the sheet as determined by the matting strips63. In other words the slots 18 will-be in different positions fordifferent patterns.- The grid section 16 allows forthis diiferentlocation of slots 18, which will always come over some of the holes inthe grid and thus give free communication between the space 11 and thetreating chamber G. At the same time the rubber sheet 8| will be fullysupported'in its central region.

The pocket space 11 connects with the outer open end of a radiallydisposed pipe 18 (Figs. 2 and 3) which is threaded in the rim part 56.The inner end of each pipe 18 (Figs. 2 and 10) is threaded into a collar8| which is set in an annular boss 82 formed on the outside of the outerdisc wall of the drum This collar forms the outer rotatable part of avalve unit which is provided so that treating liquid may be introducedinto certain of the pipes 18 and may be cut oil.' from certain otherpipes. For this purpose,

therefore, the inside of the collar 8| Ais beveled or inclined at 83 ina moreeiiective tight joint for the valve parts.

An inner stationary cylindrical block 85 constitutes the other part ofthe valve. This block on its inner face is also formed with an inclinedor beveled surfacev 88 on which the valve surface I3 slides in a closeilt as the wheel B rotates.

These surfaces are held together under spring tension, the block 85being bored at 81 (see also Fig. 8) on its outer face to accommodateexpension coil springs 88. An L -sectioned collar 88 (Fig. 2) is mountedon a shouldered end of the stationary sleeve 4| and is securely held inlplace by a locknut 8| threaded on the end ofthe sleeve. This collar actsas a thrust bearing for the hub l2 of therotating wheel B.

A feather 82 carried in the collar 88 cooperstes with a featherway 83cut in the block` 85. This construction allows for suilicient floatingaction between the valve members to make the pressure of the springs 88effective. At the same time. the valve block 85 is held againstrotation, the lbeveled surfaces 88. 85 thus turning relative rotatableliquidto each other and maintaining the desired valve i action.

As best illustrated in-Figs. 2 and 10, an annular groove 85 is cutin theincline face 88 of the block 85.y This groove extends throughapproximately` 315fdegrees.` It is located in the incline face`88-(seefalso Fig. 10) in such position as to be aligned, at some timeduring the revolution of the wheel B, with a bore 86 cut in the inclinedface 83 of the=coliar 8| which is at the end of each pipe 18; Therefore,all of the bores 86 which are in communication with the supply groove 85at any. particular time, provide connecting passageways between theysupply groove and the treating chamber G at the end of the associatedpipe 18.

Obviously where the groove 85 does not extend across the end lof a pipe18, that is where the parts Just described being duplicated at the two Iends of the sleeve,

A supply pipe |0| (Figs. 1 and 2) is joined into the pipe 88 at itscenter and extends out through suitable openings at the top which arecut through the sleeve 4| and through the tubular bracket part 48. Thesepipes 88, |0| are part of thev circulating system H and as is best shownin Fig. 1 connect into the discharge side of a. liquid pump |02. Theintake side of the pump is connected by a pipe |03 to a T-pipe section|04 (see also Figs. 2 and l1). Into this fitting two pipes |05 areconnected, one for each side oi' the machine. The outer end of each pipe|08 is bent down as at |08 where it enters into a drainage pan or sump|01 which is located under each wheel B.

The pump |02 forces the treating liquid through the pipe |0| where itdivides and passes to the right and to the left, through the pipes 88and chambers G by way of the pipes 18. Here the anodic or cathodlcaction takes place on the exposed sheet surface depending upon whethersheet a is positive or negative. The-copper sheet 82 is always ofopposite polarity. Such polarity is changed automatically as the wheelholders B rotate and this will be further discussed later.

The treating liquid enters the chamber 11 from the pipe 18 and passes upthrough the grid section 16, thence out through the slots 18 (Figs. 3and 4) into the treating chamber G. As the liquid, which constitutes theelectrolyte, strikes the surface of the sheet a being treated, gas isliberated in the form of bubbles and it is desirable not only that thegas bubbles be withdrawn from the sheet surface as rapidly as possible,but

that the electrolyte be circulated constantly thus insuring moreuniformity in the treatment. This circulation of the electrolyte is aneasy matter by reason of the pump `|02 and the other means embodied inthe circulating system H now beingy considered.

Each frame element D is constructed so that a drainage trough surroundsthe boundary matting-strips 83 (Figs. 3, 4 and 5). The matting stripsblock oil any direct communication between the chambers G and theirsurrounding troughs but a number of holes ||2 are out through the sidestrips 53. The electrolyte as it continues to be pumped into the chamberG, constantly escapes into the surrounding trough |l| by way of theholes ||2.

It will be observed (Fig. 4) that the holes ||2, which extend throughthe side marginal matting strips 53, are located close to theytransverse strips. In the pattern shown in this figure there are twosuch holes on each side adjacent and groove doesnot align with theassociated bore 88, the corresponding chamber G is blocked oil.

as to that particular part of the valve unit. In this manner a liquidelectrolyte is supplied to twelve chambers G, for example, while twochambers may be blocked ofi'. This is the reason why the groove 85extends through about 315 degrees.

The groove 85v is in constant communication with a passageway 81 (Figs.2 and 10) which extends inwardly from the outer face of the block 85.The vouter end of passageway 81 connects with the interior of a flexiblehose 88 which is held at one end by a suitable nipple threaded into theend of the passageway and connects at the other end with a pipe 88 whichextends longitudinally and in the center of the stationary sleeve 4|.This pipe supplies both wheels B, the valve just inside of thetransverse end strips 63 and also two holes on each side of the medianstrip 63. Since there are diierent matting strips for each pattern,there will be different locations for the holes ||2 but such holes arealways near thetransverse strips.

Since the bubbles evolved during the electrolysis or sheet treatingaction are at the top of the body of liquid within the chamber G some ofthe holes ||2 will be near the top regardless of the position of thechamber at any particular time and such gas bubbles will be drawn ontogether with the liquid passing through the same and also through theother holes |I2. Such gas and liquid will be ldischarged into thetroughs A constant circulation of the electrolyte through the chamber Gis thus maintained as long as liquid enters the pipe 18 through thevalve groove 85.

lected and returned to the sump |01 on that side of the machine. i

A circular trough ||3 of U-shape is located under the edge of each ange||5 and is held in place at the top by straps ||1 which extendl .downfrom and are fastened to the frame beams 23. Each trough ||3 is alsosecured by strap irons ||3 (see also Fig. 1) to a gear casing ||9 formedas an integral part of the bracket frame 43. There are two of these gearcasings. As shown in Fig. 1, each trough 'member ||6 is semi-circularand is under the upper half of its associated wheel B as the latterrotates.

Any liquid flowing over the edge of the ange ||5 falls into theU-section of the trough ||3 and then flows down on one side or the otherof the vertical center line of the wheel. The liquid flowing to theright (Fig. 1) upon reaching the lower edge of the trough drops 'offinto a semicircular channel member which extends just outside of andbelow each wheel B. This channel member is secured at |2| to the uprightat the top and rests on a strap |22 at the bottom. Strap |22 is in turnsecured to one end of sump |01.

Channel |20 is also U-shaped in cross-section and at the bottom mergesinto a discharge chute |23 which opens out into and which is directlyover the sump |01 on that side. It will be understood that there are twochannels |20, one .for each wheel B. The channel -member |20 alsoextends above the discharge chute a slight distance to the left of thevertical center of the wheel B sothat liquid falling into the channelmember from the left also drops into the sump |01.

An intermediate drain |24 (Figs. 1 and 2) is provided at the side ofeach wheel B and extends up to a position just above the lower end ofthe left slde'of drain trough ||3 (Fig. l) to which it is fastened andwhere itv catches the liquid draining from the trough. This intermediatedrain at the bottom is secured to the channel member |20. Liquidreceived from the trough ||3 is carried by the drain |24 to the insideedge of its wheel B and thereupon passes through a chute |25 which inturn empties into the channer member |20 at the bottom.

By carrying the drain liquid to the inside edge of each wheel the spacebetween the two ends of the contacting part of each belt E on its wheelB is left free for feeding the sheets ainto the l wheels by the sheetlfeeding device A and for removing the sheets from the wheels 4by thedischarge device F.

Since the pump |02 keeps the electrolyte circulating into the treatingchambers G, liquid continues to flow out. and back into the sump to beagain drawn into the pump so long as there is a closed chamber G and solong as there is liquid in the chamber.

The two wheel holders B are rotated in unison by suitable connectionwith a unit drive shaft applied at the inside of the machine. A suitableconnection is shown in Fig. 2 and reference should be had to this phaseof the mechanism. Each drum 5| has the inner end of its hub 52 reducedwhere it extends inside of the gear casing 'H3 and a driven gear |23 iskeyed on this reduced hub end of the drum.

At the bottom and extending acmss between the drums a shaft |21 isjournaled in bearings |23 formed .in depending bracket parts of thebracket frame 43. This shaft carries two pinions |29, each one keyed tothe end of the shaft and each meshing with its gear |23. Shaft |21 alsocarries a bevel gear |3| which is driven by a gear |32 carried on adrive shaft |33. Shaft |33 is journaled in suitable bearings formed inan extension |34 which is an integral part of the the bracket frame 43.In this manner the wheels B are rotated.

There is a belt E for each wheel holder B and the belts and themountlngs will next be considered. Both endless belts are identical insize and mounting and are best shown in Figs. 1 and 1l. When each beltis engaged on its wheel holder it is of course supported thereby and anumber of pulleys are used to carry the belts in their proper paths whennot in engagement.

Each belt in first coming into contact with its wheel-B passes over apulley |35. The two pul- -leys |35 of the two wheels B are mounted on ashaft |33 which is Journaled in suitable bearings |31 formed in thesub-traine 33. Pulleys |35 are located below and forward of the rollers34 and into `such position as to properly receive a sheet a passing fromroller 34. Idler rollers |33 may also be used at this position for bothwheels and the two idler rollers are mounted on a shaft |4| journaled inbearings |42 formed in the frame After the two belts E have passed inunder. around and over the wheels B. each belt leaves the wheel adjacentthe sheet discharge device F. At this position it passes around a largepulley |43 and under an adjacent pulley |41. The two pulleys |43 arecarried on a shaft |43 Journaled in brackets |43 supported on theupright frames 25. The two pulleys |41 are carried on a shaft |5| whichis Journaled in brackets |52 supported on an auxiliary frame |53 securedto the uprights 25. Braces |54 are preferably used to further hold theframe |53.

Each belt upon leaving the pulley |41next takes over a pulley |3| andthe two pulleys |3| are mounted upon a shaft |32 which is journaled inbrackets |33 depending from the upper frame beams 23. From pulley |3I,the belt extends across the wheel B and is spaced a slight distanceabove the other run of the belt on the wheel. It takes over a pulley |34and the two pulleys |34 are mounted upon a shaft |35 which is iournaledin brackets |33 also depending from the upper frame beams 23.

From the pulley |34 the belt passes over a pulley |31 and the twopulleys |31 are mounted upon a shaft |33 which is journaled in brackets|33 supported on the frame uprights 25. Each belt thence passes down toa point below its associated wheel B where it takes over a pulley |1|.

ment. The two pulleys |14 are mounted on a shaft |15 Journaled in thesub-frame 88.

It has already been stated that in the embodiment of the invention asdisclosed in the drawings provision is made for automatically changingthe direction of now of the electric treating current in order toprovide for anodic or cathodic treatment as desired. In other words, thepolarity of the current eiective on the electrolyte ilowing into thechamber G is changed so that the sheet a may in the one case be made theanode and in the other case, the cathode. This shifting of the polarityof the current will now be considered.

I'he wires 88 and 12 o f each treating chamber G constitute the twosides of the treating circuit as to that chamber. Each wire 88, aspreviously mentioned, is connected to its individual electrical brush 88and in like manner each wire 12 is connected to a similar individualbrush 13.

VEach brush 88 is adapted to engage and rotate over a commutator ringwhich is mounted on the cylindrical block 88 and in like manner eachinried on the cylindrical block 88 and when diil'erent kinds oftreatment are desired in the cham- ',bers G. the units are split, i. e.,are made up in ydiii'erent sections. Provision is made in the presentmachine for changing the electrical polarity eiIective atthe brushes 88,13 when these brushes pass from one ring section to the adjacent ringsection in its ring unit. As illustrated in Fig. 8, diiIerent ringsections are used to cause current to ilow through the electrolyte inaprecleaning step. In such cleaning there is ilrst a short anodictreatment of the sheet a followed by a cathodic treatment to completethe cleaning operation. Following this the sheet is anodized. Part ofeach commutator ring also has a dead or blank section where no currentis conducted to the commutator brushes, this being when a treated sheetis being removed from the wheel and a new sheet is being brought intoplace for treatment.

Both commutator ring units |18 and 11 are mounted on an insulating ring|18 which is carried in the cylindrical block 88. Ring |18 has twoparallel peripheral grooves |18 and |88 (see Fig. 9) for the` differentsections which make up to substantially 180 degrees and one end of thislatter strip is spaced from the end of strip |83 and its other end isspaced a slight distance from the blank strip section |8|. I'he sheetanodizing treatment uses this section.

The inner commutator ring unit- |11 also consists of four sectionsspaced from one another as to their end to end positions and all carriedin the groove |88. The four section-s correspond in length and relativepositions to the sections oi the commutator unit |18 so that the propertiming of the polarity changes in current for this side of the circuitwill-be effected.

' 'I'he iirst of these ring sections of commutator unit |11 is a shortstrip |85 (Fig. 8) which is a blank section (no current) correspondingto blank section |8| of the'other commutator. A second strip section |88is mounted in the inner groove |80 and is spaced from the end of thesection |85 and corresponds in length to the commutator strip |82 in theouter groove. It cooperates with the section |82 in producing theanodizing cleaning step. A third commutator strip section |81 is next inposition in the groove |88 the respective commutator units |18, 11. In

considering the various sections (four in number for the presenttreatment) of each commutator ring |18, |11, these will be taken incounterclockwise order as Viewed in Fig. 8.

First as to the outer ring unit |18 and beginning with the blank orno-current section of that ring. Sucha blank section comprises a curvedstrip |8| mounted in the groove |19. In the same groove, a second ringsection |82 is spaced a slight distance from the .end of the strip |8I.Section |82 is the first oi' the current conducting sections and in thetreatment of the sheet now being considered provides in part for ananodic cleaning step. In the same groove is a third curved commutatorstrip section |83 spaced from the end of section |82. This produces inpart the cathodic cleaning step. Finally a iourth section |84 extendsfor a longitudinal distance equal being spaced from the end of the strip|88. It cooperates with section |88 in the cathodizing cleaning step.The fourth commutator section is a relatively long strip |88 whichcorresponds in length and relative position to the commutator strip |84and works with that side of the circuit in the sheet anodizingtreatment.

At certain spaces or breaksbetween the ends of the several stripsections of each commutator unit, connecting wires 8| (indicated inFigs. 8 and 9 by broken lines) join a strip section in the outer groovewith an adjoining strip section in advance in the inner groove. Byreason of such cross-over electrical connections between the segments ofthe two commutator strip units |18. |11 adjacent sections in each unitcarry different polarity. There are no wire connections to the two endsof the two blank sections |8|, |88 but section |82 is joined withsection |81 and section |88 is Joined with section |83. Again section|84 joins section |81 and section |88 joins section |88.

The effect lof thisv electrical wiring combination is to provide apositive current for an indi- Vidual brush 88 during a portion of therotation of the wheel B at which time the opposite or negative currentis carried on the associated brush 13. At such a time sheet a ispositive so that the treatment is then an anodic treatment. As soon asthe wheel has carried those two particular brushes 88, 12 over the endsof the two adjacent strip sections the current ilow is reversed and thesheet a being negative receives a cathodic treatment. Starting from theblank or no-current condition one complete revolution of the wheel Bwith the commutator sections described, the sheet a will be anodized andcathodized in a pre-cleaning step and will then be treated anodically.It will be understood that' one or more steps may be eliminated or addedas desired merely by changing the number o! commutator sections.

The .feed Wires yfor bringing the treating current to the commutatorsare illustrated in Fig. 2 as wires |95, |86 which le'ad from anysuitable source of electric current. These wires come into the machineat the center and are carried in a conduit pipe |91 which extends intothe center of the hollow sleeve 4| and then branches in both directionspassing to the ends of the sleeve where the wires |85, 98 on each wheelB are connected directly to the commutator strips |84,

|88. By reason of the cross-over connection bel tween sections currentis also available-in strips |81 and |82 from the connection with `thestrip |84 and in strips |88 land |88 from the stripk |88.

Obviously, if only a single anodic treatment is desired the splitsections of the two commutator strip units will be replaced by asinglerpair of unbroken strips. The length of the several strip sectionsdetermines the length of time the current flows for the treatingoperationl and considy erable leeway is therefore possible by merelychanging the position and length of lcommutator strips. Obviously, thebreaks that occur between the strips and which result in a changeofpolarity can be positioned in any-desired place lin the electrical block85 and this permits of` any desired timing for the treatmentof thesheets.

After a sheet has been properly treated the inner end of a pipe 19associated with itsv treating chamber G, passes beyond the groove 95(Fig. 10) in the liquid valve which supplies the electrolyte andthereupon the ow ofliquid into the chamber ceases. At the same time theliquid continues to drain out of the chamber and from the troughassociated with the frame element D in which the sheet is disposed. Bythe time the sheethas reached the discharge pulley |46 most of thisliquid has drained out of the chamber G and any remaining liquidimmediately Yflows into the trough ||6 and thence, by way of theintermedi- I ate drains |24, back into the sump |01.

'Ihe sheet upon coming into the position where the belt E passes underand around the pulley |48 is stripped from its seat and -passes aroundwith the belt. To insure this correct passage of the sheet with thebelt, the pulley |46 may be magnetized so that the magnetic fluxoperating through the belt peels the sheet off of the wheel B and passesit around with the belt under the pulley |48. The pulley |41 may also bemagnetized and this will stripthe sheet from the pulley |48. 1

To insure better delivery of the sheet as it passes through thedischarge device an endless" belt |98 is preferably provided to passover the pulley |41 and also over a pulley |99. It will be understoodthat there are two pulleys |48, |41 and therefore there will be twobelts |98 and two pulleys 98. The two pulleys |99 are mounted on a shaft20| Journaled in` brackets 202 carried on the frame part |53. A sheet apassing onto the belt |98 is discharged in this manner into a suitableplace of deposit.

After a sheet a has been treated according to the various steps justdescribed, that part of its surface (marked X in Fig. l2) which wasblocked off by the mattingistrips 63 will be in its same originalcondition as before treatment.. That part of the surface (marked Y)which was ex- `posed to the electrolyte'in the different ytreatments ischanged and is now an anodized surface capable of resisting. certainchemical i changes by contact with the can contents as fully 7 thesurface of sheet material, the combination of a rotatable wheel holderhaving a series of pockets formed at intervals in its peripheral face,means for rotating said holder, a clamping belt adapted for operationover a major part of the wheels periphery for holding a sheet on saidholder and within a said pocket so that it is electrically connected inVan electrical treating circuit with the surface areas of the sheetswhich are tosbe ltreated exposed to the interior of its saidpocket,pulleys rotatably mounted adjacent said wheelv holder for guiding andsupporting said' belt where it leaves and where it engages the peripheryof the wheel, a minor part of the wheel holder periphery thus beingfleftunengaged, feeding devices located adjacent the exlposed peripheral partof said `wheel holder for positioning a sheet to be treated within apocket' of the holder prior to the sheet beingclamped by said belt,means for bringing an electrolyte A into said pocket and intocontact-with thev exposed area of said held sheet, and means for passingan electric treating current througn'jsaid electrolyte and throughthesheet sol as to treat said exposed sheet area during the rotation oisaid holder and prior to the sheet reaching the leaving position of thebelt relative totl'ie holder.

2. In an apparatus for electrically treating the surface of sheetmaterial, the combination of a wheel holder having a series'of pocketsformed at intervals in its peripheral face," a clamping belt adapted foroperation over 'a major part of the wheels periphery for holding a sheeton said holder and within a said pocket, pulleys rotatably mountedadjacent said wheelholder for guiding and supporting the belt where itleaves and where it engages the periphery of the wheel, a minor part ofthe wheel holder periphery being free of the belt, feeding deviceslocated adjacent the exposed peripheral part of said wheel holder forpositioning a sheet to be treated within a pocket of the holder so thatit is easily clamped by said belt, discharge devices ralso locatedadiacent the exposed peripheral part Aof the holder for removing thetreated sheet `from the holder when the belt has left its periphery,means for bringing an electrolyte into said pocket and into contact withthe exposed area of said held sheet while the pocket is closed by thesheet. means for passing an electric,treating current through saidelectrolyte and through the sheet so as to treat said exposed sheet areaduring the passage ofthe sheet while held by the belt in said holderpocket, and means for controlling the actuation of said current means sothat the treating circuit operates only so longas electrolyte is in'said pocket.

3. In an apparatus for 'cathodizing and anodizlng the surface of sheetmaterial, the combination of a rotatable wheel holder for the sheet tobe treated, said holder having a plurality of peripheral chambers forreceiving a liquid electrolyte, each of said chambers having a radiallydisposed conduit for conducting the electrolyte to said chamber, meansfor clamping the sheet on the periphery of said holder within a saidchamber as a part of an electrical treatingcircuit including said holderand exposing predetermined surface areas only of the sheet which are tobe treated, means for radially projecting said electrolyte underpressure through said conduits into said chambers into contact with saidexposed sheet areas, and means for passing an electric treating currentthrough said electrolyte,

first in one direction and then in the other to both cathodize andanodize the treated areas of the sheet.

4. In an apparatus for cathodizing and anodizing the surface of sheetmaterial, the combination of a rotatable Wheel holder for the sheet tobe treated, said holder having a plurality of peripheral chambers forreceiving a liquid electrolyte, each of said chambers having a radiallydisposed conduit for conducting the electrolyte to said chamber, meansfor rotating said holder, means for clamping the sheet on the peripheryof said holder within a said chamber as a part of an electrical treatingcircuit including said holder and exposing predetermined surface areasonly of the'sheet which are to be treated, means for radially projectingsaid electrolyte under pressure through said conduits into said chambersinto contact with said exposed sheet areas. means for passing anelectric treating current through said electrolyte and said sheet, rstin one direction and then in the other to both cathodize and anodize thetreated areas of the sheet, and means controlled by the rotation of saidholder for shutting off the flow of electric current to a sheet in achamber having no electrolyte therein.

respectively 'within said chambers so that each sheet constitutes. partof an electrical treating circuit including said holder and exposingpredetermined surface areas only of the sheets which areto be treated,means controlled by the rotation of said holder for radially projectingsaid electrolyte under pressure through said conduits into said chambersinto contact with said exposed sheet areas, means for passing anelectric treating current through said electrolyte, first with a saidsheet as an anode and then as a cathode to preclean the exposed surfaceareas of the sheet, and means for again converting said current tothereafter anodically treat the sheet with the sheet as an anode in saidcircuit and while said electrolyte is maintained in contact therewith soas to anodically oxidize the treated sheet areas.

6. In an apparatus for precleaning and then anodically oxidizing thesurface of sheet material, the combination of a rotatable wheel holderfor the sheet to be treated, said holder having a plurality of spacedperipheral chambers for receiving a liquid electrolyte and a pluralityof-radially disposed conduits for conducting the electrolyte to saidchambers respectively, means for rotating said holder, means forclamping separate sheets on the periphery of said holder respectivelywithin said chambers so that each sheet constitutes a partof anelectrical treating circuit including said holder and exposingpredetermined surface areas only of the sheets which are to be treated,means controlled by the rotation of said holder for radially projectingsaid electrolyte at predetermined intervals under pressure through saidconduits into said chambers into contact with said exposed sheet areas,means for passing an electric treating current through said electrolyte,rst with a said sheet as an anode and then as a cathode to preclean theexposed surface areas of the sheet, means for again converting saidcurrent to thereafter anodically treat the sheet with the sheet as ananode in said circuit and while said electrolyte is maintained incontact therewith so as to anodically oxidize the treated sheet areas,and means operating in time with the rotation of said holder forshutting off the flow of electrolyte to said chambers when the sheetsare being placed on and removed from said holder.

' '1. In an apparatus for treating sheet material,

the combination of a rotatable wheel holder having a plurality of spacedpockets formed in its periphery, each of said pockets constituting'asheet treating chamber for holding a liquid electrolyte in contact witha predetermined surface area of said sheet, means for rotating saidholder, a matting -device carried' in each of said chambers and arrangedto expose a predetermined surface area of a said sheet in a definitepattern while covering the remaining surface area of the sheet,sheeteeding devices for placing a sheet to be treated on the peripheryof the wheel in position on a said mating device so that its pattern isoutlined on the inner surface of the sheet, an endless clamp beltengaging and operating over the periphery of said wheel holder forpressing against the outer surface of a said sheet to retain the sheeton the holder within a said chamber, means controlled by the rotation ofsaid holder for introducing an electrolyte into a said chamber incontact with the parts of the inner surface of the sheet disposed insideof its pattern outline and exposed by said matting devices, and meansfor passing an electric current through said electrolyte and alsothrough said sheet to electrically change the surface condition of thesheet.

8. In an apparatus for treating sheet material,

the combination of a rotatable wheel holder havl ing a plurality ofspaced pockets formed in its periphery, each of said pocketsconstituting a sheet treating chamber Ifor holding a liquid electrolytein contact with a predetermined surface area of said sheet, means forrotating said holder, a matting device carried in each of said chambersand arranged to expose a predetermined surface area of a said sheet in adefinite pattern while covering the remaining surface area of the sheet,sheet feeding devices for placing a sheet to be treated on the peripheryof the wheel in position on a said matting device so that its pattern isoutlined on the inner surface of the sheet, an endless clamp beltengaging and operating over the periphery of said wheel holder forpressing against the outer surface of a said sheet to retain the sheeton the holder within a said chamber, means controlled by the rotation ofsaid holder and timed therewith for introducing an electrolyte atpredetermined intervals into a said chamber in contact with the parts ofthe inner surface of the sheet disposed inside of its pattern outlineand exposed by said matting devices, means for passing an electriccurrent through said electrolyte and also through said sheet toelectrically change the surface condition of the sheet, and meanscontrolled by the rotation of said holder for shutting off the iiow ofelectric current to a chamber having no electrolyte therein.

9. In an apparatus for electrically treating metallic sheet material,the combination of a double wheel sheet holder for holding sheets fortreatment, devices for rotating said wheels on a common axis, each ofsaid wheels having a plurality of recesses formed in its peripheralsurface to constitute individual sheet treating chambers, resilientmatting devices located in said chambers for outlining the area of thesheet to be treated when a sheet is disposed in a said chamber, meansincluding a pair of belts, one for each wheel for clamping a sheet on a.said resilient matting device so as to cover over its chamber Within theoutlines of said matting device, the portions of the inner surface ofthe clamped sheet not engaging said matting devices being exposed to theinterior of said chamber, means for radially introducing andvcirculating a liquid electrolyte from the axis of said Wheels into eachof said chambers when a said chamber is closed by a sheet so that theliquid contacts the exposed surface of the sheet, and means for passingan electric current through said electrolyte and through a said sheet tosurface treat the sheet.

10. In an apparatus for electrically treating metallic sheet material,the combination of a double wheel sheet holder for holding sheets fortreatment, devices for rotating said wheels on a common axis, each ofsaid wheels having a plurality of recesses formed in its peripheralsurface to constitute individual sheet treating chambers, resilientmatting devices located in said chambers for outlining the area of thesheet to be treated when a sheet is disposed in a said chamber, meansincluding a pair of belts, one for each wheel for clamping a. sheet on asaid resilient matting device so as to cover over its chamber Within theoutlines of said matting device, the portions of the inner surface ofthe clamped sheet not engaging said matting devices being exposed to theinterior of said chamber, a source oi liquid electrolyte. means forradially introducing and circulating said liquid electrolyte from saidsource through the axis of said wheels into each of said chambers when asaid chamber is closed by a sheet so that the liquid contacts theexposed surface of the sheet, means for preventing access of the liquidto said chambers when the sheets are being placed on the periphery ofsaid wheel and removed therefrom, means for passim an electric currentthrough said electrolyte and through a said sheet to surface treat thesheet, and means for returning the liquid `electrolyte from 'saidchambers to said source to' be recirculated therefrom.

l1. In an apparatus for electrically treating metallic sheet material,the combination of a wheel sheet holder Ifor holding sheets fortreatment, means for rotating said wheel, said wheel having a pluralityof recesses formed in its peripheral surface to constitute individualsheet treating chambers, resilient matting devices 1ocated in saidchambers for outlining the area of the sheet to be treated when a sheetis disposed in a said chamber, means including a belt for clamping asheet on a said resilient matting device so as to cover over its chamberwithin the outlines of said matting device, the portions of the innersurface of the clamped sheet not engaging said matting devices beingexposed to the interior of said chamber, means for radially introducingand circulating a liquid electrolyte from the axis of said Wheel intoeach of said chambers when a said chamber is closed by a sheet so thatthe liquid contacts the exposed surface of the sheet, and means forpassing an electric current through said electrolyte and through a saidsheet to surface treat the sheet.

HORACE J. PAYNTER.

